Boomers May Remember This '60s Ice Cream Parlor That Once Took Over Shopping Malls

If you were a kid in the 1960s, buying candy or ice cream for a few cents was likely the best part of your week. These treats might've come from neighbors who sold them out of their homes, or you might've visited a local diner, chain restaurant, or corner candy shop to get your fill. One popular chain destination for sweet treats was Portland-based Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, which sold larger-than-life sundaes alongside diner eats like hamburgers and sandwiches. Farrell's was a staple in many shopping plazas and malls in the '60s; by 1970, the chain spanned 58 locations across the country, although it would grow to more than double that size. Even back in the day, it served a nostalgic blast from the past with its early-20th-century player pianos and employees' skimmer hats and picnic-pattern uniforms.

Families indulged in Farrell's for birthdays and celebration-worthy occasions — such as straight-A report cards — because of its unique specials. Young diners could indulge in a standard free birthday sundae or a behemoth treat like the Zoo or the Volcano. The Zoo served 10 guests and boasted multiple ice cream flavors and toppings, while the Volcano offered 30 vanilla scoops with hot fudge and toppings. Many offerings were served with beating drums and sirens.

Outside of celebrations, youth hung out at Farrell's for its array of delicious menu items. Reddit users reminisce on how the parlor was a hot spot for dates and hangouts after sports games or movie theater outings. The shareable nature of Farrell's most famous sundaes made it almost mandatory to bring a friend or date. Despite the many good times, Farrell's wouldn't last forever.

Farrell's had a good run through the '60s and early '70s, peaking at 133 locations in 32 states, according to The Register-Guard. But the chain was in trouble by the dawn of the '80s. After it was acquired by the Marriott Corporation in the '70s, Farrell's continued to expand, yet management dipped in quality and it became plagued by financial instability. Marriott offloaded its 100-or-so locations to private investors in 1982. With this change in ownership, the format of the ice cream parlor changed as well, adopting a casual family dining style. Throughout the decade, many locations across the country closed or were sold.

Some Farrell's locations stayed in business independently of the main chain but underwent name changes. These include Pearl Street Ice Cream Parlour in Eugene, Oregon, and The Original Portland Ice Cream Parlor. Farrell's had a resurgence in the 2000s and 2010s thanks to the company Parlour Enterprises Inc, with guidance from the original owner Bob Farrell; several locations were opened in California. However, this wasn't destined to last. Insurmountable debt and another ownership change led to another decline.

The last parlor standing was in Brea, California. It closed in 2019. While nothing remains but the memories, Farrell's left an undeniable mark on the shopping mall scene — and on the hearts and minds of many baby boomers. Younger generations may not be able to relate to the vintage foodie experiences that boomers used to enjoy, from old-school grocery store features to dining in ice cream parlors with an old-timey feel, but they're making up for it with their own food trends.